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    <h3>National Autism Awareness Month Around the Corner</h3>
    <p> April is National Autism Awareness Month, and ASA has the supplies you
    need to spread awareness in your local communities.  
    Simply shop our e-store, and get ahead of the curve this year.
    <br />
    <br />
    From autism ribbon pins, to car magents, to awareness bracelets, to "Safe 
    and Sound" kits, we've got the items to bring attention to autism.  Go to 
    www.autism-society.org/store and place your orders today!  NAAM is only 
    three short months away!</p>
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    <h3>ASA Applauds President Bush's Signing of Combating Autism Act</h3>
    <p>Bethesda, MD (12/19/2006) -- The Autism Society of America (ASA) sends 
    its heartfelt thanks to President George W. Bush for signing S. 843, the 
    Combating Autism Act, today. This critical legislation authorizes almost $1 
    billion through 2011 in federal funding for autism-related research, early 
    detection and intervention.
    <br /><br />
    After signing the Act, the President issued the following statement: ?For the 
    millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of 
    hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public awareness about 
    this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and 
    treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public 
    about autism, this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms 
    of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is 
    critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and 
    confident that it will serve as an important foundation for our Nation's 
    efforts to find a cure for autism. ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman expressed 
    his gratitude to the President and all the members of Congress taking leadership 
    on this effort.  ?This is only the beginning of ASA?s commitment to ensure federal 
    for autism is spent wisely and, in the most effective way,? commented Grossman. 
    ?Now, we hope that Congress will get to work on a comprehensive services bill for 
    individuals with autism, including reforming Medicaid-funding waivers, employment 
    incentives, housing improvements, job training and so much more." ASA will work 
    actively on the Hill in the 110th Congress to ensure further legislation for autism 
    services, education, and environmental health.
    <br /><br />
    S. 843, authored by Senators Santorum and Dodd, first passed unanimously in 
    the Senate on August 3, 2006. The U.S. House passed an amended version on 
    December 6, 2006. Key provisions of the bill include:
    <ul>
        <li>Developing and implementing a strategic plan for research related to
        autism spectrum disorders</li>
        <li>Reauthorizing Autism Centers of Excellence and providing funds to the 
        centers for coordination of services and information for patients;</li>
        <li>Supporting basic and clinical research into the fields of developmental 
            neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, pharmacology, nutrition, immunology, 
        endocrinology, gastroenterology, psychopharmacology, and toxicology;</li>
        <li>Improving coordination of the various federal, State, and local supports
        and services available to persons with autism and families affected by autism;</li>
        <li>Improving coordination of the various federal, State, and local 
            supports and services available to persons with autism and families 
        affected by autism;</li>
        <li>Increasing the number of providers that can screen, diagnosis and 
        provide interventions to persons with autism; and, </li>
        <li>Promoting research to determine evidence-based best practices for 
            diagnosis, early detection, prevention, intervention and possible/potential 
        cure for autism spectrum disorders. </li>
    </ul>
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